At least four nationals ‘mistreated, tortured’ while detained in Hong Kong since 2019 amid surge in alleged cases: British government
- Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office lists cases in monthly consular data but does not elaborate or reveal outcome
- Criminal lawyers have pointed out, however, that it is not unheard of for defendants to claim mistreatment during detention
At least four British nationals under detention in Hong Kong have allegedly been mistreated or tortured since 2019, compared to just one such case before that, according to the British government which has offered consular assistance to these individuals.
Asked by the Post about the alleged cases of mistreatment or torture, a spokesman for Hong Kong’s Security Bureau declined to confirm or deny the reports, saying more information would be required to ascertain the accuracy of the allegations. It pledged to handle all cases of alleged torture or mistreatment seriously.
“Torture or mistreatment by Hong Kong law enforcement agencies is a serious allegation. Complainants should formally provide the law enforcement agencies with information to enable a full investigation,” the spokesman said. “Law enforcement agencies always strive to protect the privacy and rights of a detained person.”
According to monthly consular data published by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), between December 2019 and this year, the British consulate in Hong Kong had provided assistance to at least four nationals, who had allegedly been subject to “mistreatment & torture” while detained or imprisoned in the city.
The last instance of such cases handled by the consulate was in 2017.
